09/06/2019
Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. So we will be with the Lord for ever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. - 1 Thessalonians 4.14, 17b, 18
The Bishop of Popondota, the Rt Rev Lindsley Ihove, has written to tell us of the death of Bishop Tevita David Talanoa last night at about 8.00pm at Popondetta General Hospital.
Originally from Tonga, and brought up as a United Church member, Bishop Tevita came to PNG as a teenager to become an Anglican Franciscan Brother. Bishop Lindsley writes, 'He was a great singer and a guitarist, contributing a lot in the extension of God's Kingdom in PNG'. After his service as a Brother, he was released from the Order and he became a priest. He married Winifred (from Oro Province) and eventually became Bishop of Dogura until he retired. Bishop Lindsley says that 'Before he closed his eyes he said to his wife, "I can see the heavenly throne coming down to receive me"'. May he rest in peace and rise with Christ in glory.
Pictured below, from left to right: Bishop Tevita Talanoa, Bishop David McCall, Archbishop Allan Migi, Robert McLean (taken at Archbishop Allan's enthronement at All Souls', Lae)
The Song of St Anselm
1 Jesus, like a mother you gather your people to you; you are gentle with us as a mother with her children.
2 Often you weep over our sins and our pride, tenderly you draw us from hatred and judgement.
3 You comfort us in sorrow and bind up our wounds, in sickness you nurse us, and with pure milk you feed us.
4 Jesus, by your dying we are born to new life; by your anguish and labour we come forth in joy.
5 Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness; through your gentleness we find comfort in fear.
6 Your warmth gives life to the dead, your touch makes sinners righteous.
7 Lord Jesus, in your mercy heal us; in your love and tenderness remake us.
8 In your compassion bring grace and forgiveness, for the beauty of heaven may your love prepare us.